With spring around the corner, it is time to start thinking about what we can do to prepare our trees for a healthy growing season. Just like our lawns and gardens, trees need care and maintenance to grow and flourish. There are a number of steps you can take to get your trees ready for spring to get and keep them healthy, beautiful, and full of color.

Inspect

Your first step in preparing your trees should involve a careful inspection. From the bottom to the top, look for any damage that may have occurred. Cold weather and freezing temperatures during the winter months can cause new damage or exacerbate existing damage to trees. Small holes in the trunk, cracks, peeling bark, and dead twigs and branches are signs of damage that may have occurred during colder months. Also, look out for any molds or fungi that may have taken up residence on your trees. If you need help, we provide arborist consultations in Austin and surrounding areas.

Prune

When you have finished your inspection, it’s time to do some pruning. Pruning your trees during the dormant months gives them a chance to heal the pruning wounds early and allows the trees to recover lost nutrients. Remove any damaged or dead limbs, branches that cross or rub against one another, and those that are weak. It is recommended that you do not prune more than 25% of the foliage in a single growing season.

Post-Winter Cleanup

After pruning, conduct a post-winter cleanup around the tree. Remove any twigs, leaves, and other material that may have accumulated at the base and around the tree. Creating a fresh area around the tree also prepares it for the next steps.

Fertilize & Water

Deep root fertilization helps promote root systems and tree growth in preparation of springtime growth. Fertilization that targets the root system helps roots expand and creates a stronger foundation, and provides an overall stabilizing effect for the tree.

Mulch

Applying mulch is another great way to prepare your trees for spring time. Proper mulch application is important. Make sure the mulch is applied underneath most of the tree’s canopy, but keep it from contacting the base of the tree. About three or four inches of mulch evenly spread out protects the tree’s moisture levels and prevents weed growth, which can take vital nutrients and water away from the tree.

With these springtime preparation tips, your trees will be ready to come out of their winter dormancy and start blooming. If you have any questions about tree preparation, suspect tree damage or disease, or need some assistance preparing your trees for spring, call Capitol Tree Care today at (512) 913-6833.